These excerpts from books reviewed by Spirituality & Practice offer more perspectives on community life. It's clear that living simply is one hallmark of intentional communities.
- Lutheran theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer probes the meaning of Christian brotherhood in his classic Life Together.
- Alan Briskin and Tom Callahan affirm the creative collaboration which can grow out of community when people operate with openness and mutuality.
- Duane Elgin ponders the value of voluntary simplicity as part of humanity's conscious evolution.
- Richard Foster salutes the practice of Christian simplicity which is rooted in biblical tradition and in the life of Jesus Christ.
- Paula Huston, an oblate at New Camaldoni Hermitage in California, presents practices for a simple life.
- Donald Kraybill, Steven Nolt, and David Weaver-Zercher explore the practice among the Amish of banning dishwashers as part of their effort to live simply.
- Trappist monk Thomas Merton salutes the work ethic of the Shakers as part of their emphasis on humility and simplicity.
- Wayne Muller, a prolific spiritual writer, looks at the practice of simplicity as cutting away that which is nonessential.
- Scott Russell Sanders celebrates a conservation ethic which embraces frugality, simplicity, and community.
- Sobonfu Some shares rituals and practices designed by African communities to affirm children and enrich community.
- Patricia Spadaro writes about the love that shines through the support and warmth of community,
- Jose Hobday, a Native American and Franciscan sister, identifies the values of living without encumbrances.